The Thirty Tyrants Of Athens (The Play) Part 2
The Thirty Tyrants Of Athens (The Play) Part 2
Act IV
At the prison of the "Eleven", the memorable eve of the great revolt.
Basileios is taken, where Heroides was taken before, whilst Phaedrias has been taken to a secret place, unknown to Basileios.
SCENE I.
HEROIDES.
Basileios, my good friend! I did not expect to see thee again so soon.
BASILEIOS.
Heroides, how abhorrent is this place and how hapless has been my fortune.
HEROIDES.
When and why wast thou apprehended?
BASILEIOS.
Yesterday, during the night, as I was attempting to flee the city. I know not what charge I am accused of, but I perceive it must be the same accusation that hath brought thee here—sedition.
HEROIDES
Thy fate is sealed, as is mine.
BASILEIOS.
Unfortunately, it seems so, unless we are freed by the Athenians.
HEROIDES.
Anon, the insurrection shall begin its final objective!
BASILEIOS.
Ampelios told me the revolt would start today.
HEROIDES.
That is indeed the genuine plan, from what I understand!
BASILEIOS.
I doubt that, since Critias hath fortified the walls and gates with his guards.
HEROIDES.
Then someone must have alerted him.
BASILEIOS.
He hath arrested or exiled the principal leaders of the democrats.
HEROIDES.
Then one of them was coerced to reveal our strategy.
BASILEIOS.
All I know, Heroides, is that Critias by this time is aware of the intricate details of the revolt. He gloats in his confidence that he shall suppress the clamour of the masses.
HEROIDES.
Perhaps! However, the voice of the people shall not be silenced or deafened. Critias can kill a thousand Athenians, but he cannot stop the course of the insurrection.
BASILEIOS.
For the sake of democracy, I hope thou art correct; if not, there shall be a horrendous bloodbath.
HEROIDES.
Whatever blood is spilt shall be on the tainted hands of Critias.
BASILEIOS.
Why must we commit the same mistakes of the past? Have we not learnt from our rapacity and incivility?
HEROIDES.
We are destined for change, and history shall distinguish between the oppressor and the oppressed. The voice of the oppressed must be triumphant in its nature.
BASILEIOS.
And what shall transpire afterwards?
HEROIDES.
Athens shall record in its history the sadistic misdeeds of the Thirty Tyrants.
BASILEIOS.
I can hope for the abatement of this tyranny; although I fear we shall not be alive to see its full completion.
SCENE II.
At the council.
Critias has convened an abrupt meeting to discuss the issue of the arrested democrats and the possible revolt. He is growing more anxious and desperate with every passing hour.
CRITIAS.
I have gathered all the members of the council this morning to discuss the serious issues of the recent arrests of the main leaders of the democrats and the talk of a menacing revolt that has been circulating within the streets of Athens.
CHAERELEOS.
Are we to believe, my noble Critias, that we are in danger or not?
CRITIAS.
I shall gladly dispel that sign of danger.
EUMATHES.
And the revolt of the insurgents?
CRITIAS.
I shall crush the revolt unequivocally!
MELOBIUS.
How dost thou plan to do that?
CRITIAS.
That is easy to respond to and elucidate.
POLYCHARES.
Perhaps, my noble Critias can tell us how he plans to effectuate that.
CRITIAS.
Certainly! I have posted guards at the walls, gates, and towers of the city.
ERASISTRATUS.
Then thou art confident that by arresting or exiling our enemies, we shall be free of the democrats once and for all?
CRITIAS.
Aye! I assure thee that we shall be rid of them most definitely.
ARESIAS.
How, if I may be bold to ask thee, my noble Critias?
CRITIAS.
Simple. I shall hang their dead bodies over the walls inside, so that the good citizens of Athens may visibly see what happeneth to my foes who dare to defy me.
ARISTOTELES.
Art thou sure that this tactic shall scare thine enemies?
CRITIAS.
In sooth! This tactic, as thou callest it, shall be enough to demonstrate my ultimate power.
HIERO.
What of thy foes whom thou hast exiled? I heard they are massing an army to march against Athens and our government.
CRITIAS.
We can discuss the issue of this so-called army, but our alliance with the Spartans is firm to protect us.
HIPPOLOCHUS.
And the Persians? Shall we not fear their intrusion? Where are the Spartans to assist us?
CRITIAS.
Nay, I guarantee thee, gentlemen, that the democrats or Persians shall not be a problem or an antagonist for us. As for the Spartans, I have already sent a messenger to them with my formal request for their gracious assistance to Athens.
MNESITHEIDES.
And what shall become of Phaedrias? As a member of the council, Phaedrias must have a trial. ‘Tis the law! Shalt thou do to him what was done to Theramenes? And his brother Basileios? Dost thou want to inflame the masses more with his death?
HIERO.
We should not provoke them, since Phaedrias and Basileios are the sons of a great diplomat esteemed by many Athenians.
CRITIAS.
Do not remind me of the death of Theramenes — for it haunteth me still. As for Phaedrias, I have a plan for him. And for Basileios, I shall grant him instead a trial, and I shall be pleasantly entertained and amused by the fascinating spectacle.
SCENE III
At the Round Chamber of the Council.
The members of the council have left the building, and only Critias and his Spartan guards remain.
Phaedrias and Basileios are brought to the Round Chamber, before Critias.
Phaedrias is subsequently instructed by Critias to kill his brother.
CRITIAS.
Behold the man that hath betrayed me!
PHAEDRIAS.
’Tis thou who hast betrayed the council, the assembly, and above all, the citizens of Athens.
CRITIAS.
Dost thou dare accuse me of betrayal, when it is thou who hast defied the laws, we established?
BASILEIOS.
Why hast thou brought us hither? What dost thou intend to do with us?
CRITIAS.
An excellent question — and I have the perfect answer. One of ye shall become a murderer.
PHAEDRIAS.
What dost thou mean by that?
CRITIAS.
Ye both are instruments in a most lethal game of life or death. Which of ye is the true thespian of the family?
Critias throws a dagger upon the ground.
BASILEIOS.
If thou art to kill me, then strike now!
CRITIAS.
Nay, I shall not kill thee. Thy brother shall perform the foul deed for me.
PHAEDRIAS.
I shall not carry out thy wicked command! Kill me instead but let Basileios go free. Is that not sufficient to please thee?
CRITIAS.
Nay — naught pleaseth me more than to behold brave men turn cowards in an instant.
PHAEDRIAS.
I am no spineless coward, as thou art, who sendest others to do thy killing.
CRITIAS.
Thou preferrest death over loyalty to me?
PHAEDRIAS.
I would rather die than endure another day beneath thy tyranny and open madness. Long live Athens! Long live democracy!
Critias rises from the seat of his palatial throne and commands one of the guards to bring Phaedrias to him. He proceeds to stab him to death with a dagger concealed in his garments. Phaedrias collapses and dies in agony.
CRITIAS.
Fool! I gave thee everything — even my respect — and still thou chose to betray me like a wretched defector.
BASILEIOS.
Thou pompous cur! The people of Athens shall mete out swift justice for thy vile corruption and monstrous deeds.
CRITIAS.
Perhaps, one day. But ’tis highly unlikely thou shalt live to witness that momentous occasion, Basileios.
BASILEIOS.
Whether I live to see that day matters not, so long as the multitudes that oppose thee overthrow thy rule and drag thy corpse through the streets of Athens like that of a common criminal. Aye, then shall I rejoice from the heavens above!
CRITIAS.
I shall not allow thee such satisfaction. I alone shall decide thy fate.
BASILEIOS.
Doubtful. Time shall be the judge of that. I forewarn thee, Critias — I shall take vengeance upon thee. Thy unforgivable crimes shall not be forgotten!
SCENE IV
At the court for the trial of Basileios.
Basileios is taken to court to be swiftly tried and condemned that same day.
CRITIAS.
Honourable members of the assembly, I have, as the law commandeth, granted a trial for any nobleman — even though the accused is guilty beyond doubt. Presiding over this trial is the esteemed archon Drakon, and the selected prosecutor is Antiochos. As for the accused, he hath chosen to speak in his own defence.
Critias departs to tend to matters he deems more important — a grave misjudgement he shall later rue.
DRAKON.
As presiding archon, I welcome all present members of the assembly to the trial of one Basileios, charged with mutiny and attempted assassination of the supreme leader, Critias. Let the trial commence with the prosecutor's address.
ANTIOCHOS.
I thank thee, most honourable lord. ’Tis an honour to serve thy court, as it is to serve the noble leaders of our assembly.
DRAKON.
Proceed.
ANTIOCHOS.
Members of the assembly, we are all well acquainted with the daily observance of the laws that govern us. The defendant hath committed heinous crimes deserving of death. He hath not only defied our leaders but the very institution he claims to uphold — democracy. How can this assembly not find him guilty? ’Tis evident by his own words that he seeketh to overthrow our esteemed government.
The cunning prosecutor turns to address Basileios, who is certain he shall not be found innocent.
ANTIOCHOS.
Is it not so?
BASILEIOS.
Aye, I am guilty, for thou hast said I am.
ANTIOCHOS.
Dost thou deny that the vile acts ascribed to thee are false? Dost thou not see these truths for what they are?
BASILEIOS.
If I tell thee what I truly believe, thou shalt twist my words and pronounce me guilty regardless of mine intent.
ANTIOCHOS.
Then thou confessest guilt before the members of the assembly and the archon?
BASILEIOS.
I ask thee this — if I speak the truth, shall any here accept it as such?
ANTIOCHOS.
Tell us, Basileios — what truth dost thou claim to possess?
BASILEIOS.
The very truth that thou and all here know too well.
ANTIOCHOS.
Well then, we await thy supposed truth.
BASILEIOS.
What I say with full candour, let no man here forget. We are Athenians, proud sons of democracy. I am guilty only of cherishing my inalienable right to honour that democracy. As a man of philosophy, I am a voice of reason — a humble servant to Athens — and yet I am tried here as a criminal. I stand before ye, bearing the full weight of my actions.
DRAKON.
Dost thou repudiate the process, when a fair trial hath been granted thee?
BASILEIOS.
How may I expect a fair trial when no witness defends me and only accusations are heard? Is that justice, my lord?
DRAKON.
Thou mayest defend thyself. If the prosecutor is finished, thou mayest proceed.
ANTIOCHOS.
Aye, I object not to the court's direction, my lord.
DRAKON.
Then let the defendant speak.
BASILEIOS.
Members of the assembly, sons of Athens — have ye forgotten democracy? Hast thou forsaken its core principles in denial?
ANTIOCHOS.
What hath this to do with thy trial?
BASILEIOS.
Everything!
DRAKON.
Speak clearly, young man — what is thy meaning?
BASILEIOS.
Certainly, my lord. I have not killed, exiled, nor punished any man as Critias hath. My family hath served Athens faithfully for decades. What I am guilty of is this: seeking to restore what rightfully belongeth to all the citizens of Athens — democracy! That very democracy which all of ye once helped to establish.
ANTIOCHOS.
And yet we have seen what democracy wrought — the near destruction of Athens at the hands of the Spartans. Had it not been for our government and the noble Critias, we should have fallen to the Persians.
BASILEIOS.
Is the rule ye now wield not worse than subjugation by Spartans or Persians?
ANTIOCHOS.
Dost thou dare compare us — members of this noble assembly — to Spartans or Persians?
BASILEIOS.
Aye! Is it not worse to slay thy own people than to fight foreign foes?
ANTIOCHOS.
Thou accusest us of being murderers?
BASILEIOS.
’Tis thou who hast said it — not I.
DRAKON.
Enough! We have heard sufficient. This testimony is concluded. Let the members of the assembly now render their verdict.
The assembly votes.
DRAKON.
What is the verdict?
THE ASSEMBLY.
Guilty!
DRAKON.
Then the trial is concluded. The defendant shall be executed, as the law commandeth.
SCENE V
At the prison of the "Eleven".
BASILEIOS is escorted to the prison, where he sees HEROIDES once more.
HEROIDES.
I thought I would never see thy countenance again, my good friend!
BASILEIOS.
I am now, definitively, a prisoner of Critias.
HEROIDES.
When wast thou apprehended?
BASILEIOS.
Last night—I was arrested along with Phaedrias by the guards.
HEROIDES.
How cruel is destiny, when it doth choose to impose itself upon innocent men.
BASILEIOS.
I was granted a trial, yet I was found guilty by the corrupted members of Critias' assembly.
HEROIDES.
And what of Phaedrias?
BASILEIOS.
Alas, he was murdered—by Critias.
HEROIDES.
I have but one aspiration, Basileios: to restore democracy and punish the pitiless tyrants who rule—beginning with Critias!
BASILEIOS.
I swear by the God of the heavens, I shall exact vengeance upon him—and I shall not be merciful.
HEROIDES.
I wonder, my friend, whether either of us shall see Critias suffer in his death.
BASILEIOS.
I know not. Perhaps time shall not bestow that final act of justice upon us.
HEROIDES.
I am uncertain whether we shall die today or tomorrow—but die, we shall!
BASILEIOS.
Regrettably, I am in full agreement.
HEROIDES.
I fear we are doomed—caught between Scylla and Charybdis.
BASILEIOS.
The madness of Critias is worse than either of those monsters of the sea.
HEROIDES.
We cannot allow Critias’ madness to persist any longer, Basileios.
BASILEIOS.
I bring tidings of revolt—and of the exiled community in Piraeus and abroad.
HEROIDES.
Hesitate not! Tell me—what news dost thou bear?
BASILEIOS.
There is an army. I was told by Antemios that they shall attempt to liberate the city from the tyrannical oligarchy of Critias.
HEROIDES.
When shall they come—and from whence? And who is their leader?
BASILEIOS.
That I know not—only that the army may be from Samos.
A prison guard interrupts the conversation and removes HEROIDES from his cell. Neither Basileios nor Heroides realises that Heroides will soon be brutally murdered.
SCENE VI
At the colossal walls of the city of Athens.
A restless mob gathers in the prominent areas of the city, including near the agora. The walls are guarded by Critias’ elite Spartan guards. CRITIAS addresses the mob from atop one of the towers.
CRITIAS.
Citizens of Athens—return to thine homes. If ye persist in rioting, I shall act with deadly resolve. Do not commit the folly of revolt. I offer leniency this once—through diplomacy.
THE MOB.
We are weary of thy rule! Restore to us our way of life and our democracy!
CRITIAS.
I warn ye—if ye continue, I shall crush this rebellion without delay!
THE MOB.
We fear thee not! We do not fear death!
CRITIAS.
Then ye shall suffer the consequences. But first, behold what fate hath met my enemies!
The Spartan guards throw the hanged bodies of the captured democrats, including HEROIDES and PHAEDRIAS, down from the city walls.
THE MOB.
We fear thee not! We do not fear death!
CRITIAS.
Behold—the bodies of my foes! Would ye join them, dead and dangling upon these stout walls of Athens?
There is silence.
CRITIAS.
Now disperse—return to thine homes or thine occupations. Once more, ye are warned!
FIRST GUARD.
Ye have heard the noble Critias. Disperse at once—or face arrest.
CRITIAS.
I shall give three thousand drachmae to any man who brings me the heads of the remaining democrats.
CRITIAS throws minted coins onto the streets to bribe the crowd. Some take the coins; others do not.
SECOND GUARD.
What else wouldst thou have us do, noble Critias?
CRITIAS.
Nothing for now. I shall inform thee when I require the guards again.
ONOMACLES.
I would not have believed thou couldst have dissuaded the mob so easily. I am impressed by thy show of power, my lord.
CRITIAS.
Look at them! Like wild savages from the East, they are only tamed by their loyal master.
ONOMACLES.
I wonder if it shall suffice to hold them back for long, as their dissatisfaction grows.
CRITIAS.
I have considered that possibility. I assure thee, Onomacles—the revolt shall be crushed swiftly.
ONOMACLES.
And what of the army gathering in Boeotia and Corinth—with the exiled democrats?
CRITIAS.
I shall deal with them promptly as well.
ONOMACLES.
I know those men—they shall not be easily bribed.
CRITIAS.
My dear Onomacles—hast thou not learnt from the immeasurable lessons of history that any man can be bribed—willingly or forcefully—even the most obstinate?
SCENE VII
At the home of Critias.
It is late at night. CRITIAS is resting in his chamber. Suddenly, an intruder enters to assassinate him. His guards fail to prevent the intrusion in time.
CRITIAS.
Who is there—who dares disturb my rest?
GUARD.
Forgive the intrusion, my lord—but I had to inform thee. An assassin was captured within the house.
CRITIAS.
An assassin, thou sayest?
GUARD.
Aye, noble Critias.
CRITIAS.
Where is he? And how did he gain entry, undetected?
GUARD.
We have yet to learn his identity—or how he entered. But we shall discover it soon.
CRITIAS.
Bring him to me—I would see and interrogate him myself.
GUARD.
At once, my lord.
The assassin is brought before CRITIAS and forced to kneel.
CRITIAS.
Who art thou—and who sent thee to assassinate me?
ASSASSIN.
No one sent me.
CRITIAS.
Liar! If thou wishest to live, speak! Who sent thee?
ASSASSIN.
I told thee—no one sent me.
CRITIAS.
Perhaps thou shalt speak once I have sliced off thy ear.
ASSASSIN.
Thou needest me alive.
CRITIAS.
True. Yet thou hast another ear.
CRITIAS slices off the assassin’s right ear.
ASSASSIN.
Thou canst not kill me!
CRITIAS.
I can do anything. I could burn thee alive if I so desired.
ASSASSIN.
I shall tell thee only this: I was paid by an eminent member of the assembly.
CRITIAS.
His name—what is his name?
The ASSASSIN grabs a hidden dagger and kills himself—but not before uttering:
ASSASSIN.
Thy reign of terror is over, Critias. Thy death is nigh.
CRITIAS.
Fool! I shall reign for decades to come!
Act V
The bloody day of the revolt and downfall of the Thirty Tyrants.
SCENE I.
Critias awakes to a terrible nightmare that shall haunt him until his imminent death. He goes to the Round Chamber and speaks to Onomacles about his ghastly nightmare.
CRITIAS.
Onomacles, thou shalt not believe what I have dreamt ere now.
ONOMACLES.
What horrific nightmare hath unsettled thee, my lord?
CRITIAS.
Thou wouldst not believe me, were I to tell thee that the ghost of Theramenes appeared before me. He warned me that I should perish upon this very day.
ONOMACLES.
The ghost of Theramenes? Impossible! The dead rise not from their graves, my lord!
CRITIAS.
I know not if they do or do not, Onomacles, but I swear ’twas he—Theramenes—harrowing me!
ONOMACLES.
Art thou not overreacting, my lord?
CRITIAS.
Perhaps I am overreacting… or am I going mad?
ONOMACLES.
Mad? Thou art merely wearied and disconcerted.
CRITIAS.
There is another matter I must apprise thee of—entirely unrelated.
ONOMACLES.
What matter is this, that I may enquire of its origin?
CRITIAS.
Last night, an assassin attempted to murder me in mine own home.
ONOMACLES.
But how could this be possible, my lord? Who sent him?
CRITIAS.
A member of the assembly.
ONOMACLES.
Which member did the assassin confess to serving?
CRITIAS.
That I know not, for he killed himself ere he could reveal the name of the scoundrel who sent him.
ONOMACLES.
What dost thou intend to do?
CRITIAS.
O, I have devised an amusing diversion that shall greatly entertain the members of the assembly.
ONOMACLES.
What kind of diversion hast thou devised, my lord?
CRITIAS.
Thou shalt know soon enough. Come, follow me to the assembly.
ONOMACLES.
Wilt thou dare to unmask the identity of the anonymous member, without knowing who sent the assassin?
CRITIAS.
I assure thee, it shall be a most secretive surprise—one that shall leave the assembly in utter awe.
SCENE II.
At the assembly.
Critias has gathered all members of the assembly to address the portentous issue of the assassin.
CRITIAS.
Ye, the members of the assembly, I have gathered ye all to address a most pressing matter. Last night, an assassin entered mine home and attempted to murder me.
HIERO.
Who was the assassin, O noble Critias?
CRITIAS.
The assassin died ere he could reveal his identity.
PHEIDO.
Who sent him?
CRITIAS.
That hath not yet been determined.
THEOGNIS.
Mayhap he was sent by the deplorable democrats in exile?
CRITIAS.
Mayhap!
LYCOMEDES.
Or by one of the noblemen of Athens?
CRITIAS.
Mayhap!
CHREMO.
Or a madman from amongst the plebes?
CRITIAS.
Mayhap!
MNESILOCHUS.
Or an assassin sent by the Persians?
CRITIAS.
Mayhap!
HIERO.
Then who, my lord, sent him?
CRITIAS.
Why not from amongst ye—my faithful assembly and council?
THEOGNIS.
Surely, thou dost not believe that one of thy loyal assembly members is capable of such an ineffable act, my lord?
CRITIAS.
I may neither permit myself to believe nor disbelieve in any likelihood.
PHEIDO.
Let us be practical in this matter. Why would any of us attempt such foolishness, my lord?
CRITIAS.
Foolishness? No more than the foolishness of mine enemies, who mask themselves as cowards amongst men.
HIERO.
Dost thou call us cowards—those of us who have served thee with reverence and loyalty?
CRITIAS.
Nay. But there is one—or more—who doth conspire against this government.
HIERO.
Who?
CRITIAS.
’Tis thee, Hiero! Thou hast conspired to murder me!
HIERO.
I am innocent of this charge!
CRITIAS.
Guards! Take this traitor from the assembly and execute him. I abhor his complacency with the democrats and his reprehensible laxity.
Hiero has been taken away to be executed without any evidence of his guilt. As the assembly and council remain gathered, fearful and unsettled, a messenger enters and informs Critias of the advance of Thrasybulus’ army.
CRITIAS.
Now that we have uncovered the supposed culprit, I must further disclose that an army of our enemies advances towards the city. Therefore, I have commanded a force of Athenian cavalry and Spartan soldiers to march to Phyle, that they may defeat the enemies of Athens ere they reach our gates.
SCENE III
At the walls of the city.
The multitude has begun the revolt and gathered at the agora to demand the exile of Critias. Among them are commoners, noblemen, and disenchanted merchants. Critias has been informed and approaches the walls, accompanied by Onomacles.
ONOMACLES.
My noble Critias, what are we to do? The revolt has begun!
CRITIAS.
I shall deal with the rabble by force, post-haste!
ONOMACLES.
What dost thou intend?
CRITIAS.
Guard!
GUARD.
Aye, my lord!
CRITIAS.
Throw down the bodies of those executed.
GUARD.
Aye!
ONOMACLES.
Tell me—what is thy plan?
CRITIAS.
Come, thou shalt see for thyself.
The dead bodies of Hierro and others are hung from the walls, beside the rotting flesh of those previously executed.
ONOMACLES.
What dost thou hope to achieve with this grim display?
CRITIAS.
Silence—and observe!
Critias addresses the unruly crowd below.
CRITIAS.
Ye citizens of Athens, desist from this insurrection. If not, ye shall be arrested for civil disorder and treason.
THE MOB.
We shall rise until the oligarchy falls!
CRITIAS.
If ye do not disperse, I shall see you all executed or exiled.
THE MOB.
Death to the Thirty Tyrants! Death to Critias!
CRITIAS.
Fools! I shall unleash the Spartan guards upon you!
THE MOB.
Death to the Thirty Tyrants! Death to Critias!
CRITIAS.
Guard!
THE MOB.
Death to the Thirty Tyrants! Death to Critias!
The Spartan guards are released upon the crowd. The mob does not disperse, and quickly the situation spirals beyond control. As Critias stands bewildered by their defiance, Onomacles turns on him, drawing a dagger.
CRITIAS.
What is this treason, Onomacles?
ONOMACLES.
If thou wert slain, the mob might spare the rest of us.
CRITIAS.
Ignorant fool! Thou shalt not escape justice.
ONOMACLES.
Call me fool, but thou art a madman doomed to fall!
CRITIAS.
So—’twas thee who sent the assassin.
ONOMACLES.
Aye! And I shall now finish the deed!
Onomacles lunges, but Critias draws his own dagger swiftly and stabs him first.
CRITIAS.
Fool! Thou didst underestimate my cunning!
ONOMACLES.
Thy downfall is nigh!
SCENE IV
At the home of Critias.
The Spartan guards have failed to stop the uprising spreading through the agora and along the Piraean Street, the Panathenaic Way, and the Street of the Tripods. However, they have managed to prevent the mob from reaching the Assembly and Council, where the Thirty Tyrants have taken refuge.
SPARTAN GUARD.
We have halted the mob at the agora, my lord, but I know not how long we can hold. The Assembly and Council are secure—for now.
CRITIAS.
Good. I shall reward every soldier who defends the Assembly and Council with 3,000 drachmae and estates befitting his valour. I have faith in the resolve of our army.
SPARTAN GUARD.
And the Acropolis? We must defend it. Should we fail, the armies of the exiled democrats shall enter the city through there.
CRITIAS.
Forget the Acropolis. I have already dispatched a formidable force to destroy them.
SPARTAN GUARD.
But if our army is defeated? We must have contingency measures in place.
CRITIAS.
I have not overlooked the threat, but I remain confident in our victory.
Critias retreats to his throne within the Council chamber to reflect alone. As he does so, he is visited once more by the ghost of Theramenes.
CRITIAS.
Who art thou that hauntest me?
THERAMENES.
’Tis I, thy noble friend whom thou didst betray!
CRITIAS.
Theramenes! Why dost thou torment me?
THERAMENES.
I return to witness thy murder, as I was murdered.
CRITIAS.
Begone! The dead rise not from the grave!
THERAMENES.
Believe what thou wilt. Thy end is near, and I shall guide thee to the underworld of Hades!
CRITIAS.
When shall this dread day come?
THERAMENES.
Today! Today thou shalt fall!
CRITIAS.
Nay! I shall not allow it!
The ghost vanishes. Critias descends into madness, muttering to himself.
CRITIAS.
No! No! I am not mad!
The voices of the dead, those whom Critias executed, echo faintly.
CRITIAS.
Who are ye? If ye be spirits, what dost thou want of me? My soul? I shall give thee gold—only leave me in peace! I am Critias! Do not torment me with this dread and doubt!
Enter a guard.
GUARD.
My lord! To whom dost thou speak? I see no one here.
CRITIAS.
Ghosts! Didst thou not see them as I did?
GUARD.
No, my lord.
CRITIAS.
Then what is thy report?
GUARD.
The mob hath seized the Acropolis. What are thine orders?
CRITIAS.
The Acropolis! What of the Assembly and Council?
GUARD.
Still safe, my lord—for now.
CRITIAS.
Then protect them. Let the mob have the agora and the Acropolis—for now.
GUARD.
But that would spell our gradual defeat. Hast thou conceded?
CRITIAS.
Nay! I merely bide my time. Leave me. I must contemplate my next move.
SCENE V.
At the buildings of the Assembly and Council.
Critias remains defiantly seated upon his golden throne, unwilling to flee the city. His madness intensifies, agitated by the sounds of revolt and thoughts of his impending doom. He is resolute in his determination to suppress the uprising. Mnesitheides enters the chamber.
CRITIAS.
Those bloody scoundrels! I shall have every one of them executed.
MNESITHEIDES.
Noble Critias, we cannot halt the revolt—it hath spread throughout the city! Thou must abdicate thy power and flee, ere it be too late!
CRITIAS.
Abdicate my power? Never! I shall not yield this throne and city to those contemptible democrats!
MNESITHEIDES.
Thou must be reasonable. The city shall be engulfed in flames—with us in it.
CRITIAS.
Dost thou expect me to flee like some craven wretch?
MNESITHEIDES.
I implore thee, noble Critias, escape with us to Sparta whilst there is still time.
CRITIAS.
Never, I tell thee! I am certain the revolt shall be crushed, and with it, the democrats' army.
MNESITHEIDES.
Critias, the days of tyranny and fear are past. I have seen the insurgent mob—they are fuelled by a fury and resolve unlike any I have seen before.
CRITIAS.
I am tired of thy cowardly counsel. Begone, and do not vex me further!
MNESITHEIDES.
I fear it is already too late for thee. The mob may well prove crueler than ever thou wert to them.
Enter a guard.
GUARD.
My noble Critias, forgive my untimely intrusion.
CRITIAS.
What is it?
GUARD.
We have received news that our army has been decisively defeated at the Battle of Pyle.
CRITIAS.
Art thou certain of this?
GUARD.
A cavalryman hath returned with the news.
CRITIAS.
Then bring him before me at once!
GUARD.
Aye, my lord.
A soldier is brought to the chamber.
CRITIAS.
Well, do not remain silent. Speak! What hath become of our men? Thou lookest gaunt and bedraggled.
SOLDIER.
O noble Critias, we fought with valour, but were ambushed. The enemy now marches towards Piraeus.
CRITIAS.
Then I shall dispatch more troops to halt their advance at Piraeus! We cannot suffer defeat at such a time!
SCENE VI.
At the prison of the Eleven.
The mob has reached the prison and liberates the captives, including Basileios. Enraged, they march towards the Assembly and Council buildings. Along the way, Basileios sees the grotesque remains of those hanged by Critias' tyranny—among them the familiar visages of Heroides and Phaedrias. Fuelled by grief and rage, he is determined to seek vengeance.
They reach the Assembly building and swiftly overpower the outnumbered Spartan guards. Soon they arrive at the Council, where the Thirty Tyrants have taken refuge. Even the elite Spartan guards are quickly overwhelmed.
POLYCHARES.
What are we to do, Critias? The mob is everywhere!
CRITIAS.
We shall stay. They would not dare confront me!
POLYCHARES.
That is folly! Canst thou not see? Look outside—face the truth! ’Tis only a matter of time before they breach these walls. Abandon thy obstinate pride!
CRITIAS.
Flee like a coward, if thou and the others so choose. But I shall not yield this throne. I am the embodiment of a living god on Earth.
POLYCHARES.
Thou art no god, Critias—merely a mortal man like me!
CRITIAS.
Go then! Leave me be!
Polychares escapes through a hidden tunnel. The other councillors flee as well, though some members of the Assembly are not so fortunate and are slain by the mob.
Enter a guard, breathless.
GUARD.
We can no longer hold them off, noble Critias. Our numbers are spent. Escape whilst thou still canst!
CRITIAS.
Summon more men!
GUARD.
My lord, we have none left.
CRITIAS.
What dost thou mean?
GUARD.
Hast thou forgotten? Most were dispatched to face the democrats’ army.
CRITIAS.
Enough with these excuses! Send whomever remains into the streets!
By the hour’s end, the mob storms the Council building, killing the remaining Spartan guards. They advance towards Critias' chamber. A mysterious voice resounds behind him.
BASILEIOS.
So brash stands the figure now withering in paranoia, like a coward?
CRITIAS.
Who goes there? Theramenes, hast thou returned for my soul?
BASILEIOS.
Dost thou not recognise the voice of the one thou sentenced to die?
CRITIAS.
Come out of the shadows, spirit of Theramenes!
Basileios emerges.
CRITIAS.
Theramenes! I am not mad!
Critias turns to face him. Basileios stands, dagger in hand.
BASILEIOS.
I am no ghost, but the avenger of Theramenes, Heroides, Phaedrias, and countless others thou hast slain.
CRITIAS.
Basileios! Thou livest!
Basileios stabs Critias.
BASILEIOS.
Thy reckoning is at hand. Thy death shall bring joy to many.
CRITIAS.
I am a god! I cannot be vanquished!
BASILEIOS.
Nay, thou bleedest like any man—not a god. And thou shalt die like the wretch thou art!
CRITIAS.
I am Critias!
Critias collapses in disbelief and dies.
The mob bursts into the chamber.
BASILEIOS.
The deed is done! Noble Critias is dead!
The mob loots his treasures. They lift his bloodied corpse and carry it to the streets to show the people of Athens.
BASILEIOS.
O liberated Athenians, know that the tyranny is over. Behold the corpse of the villain! Critias the tyrant is no more!
A moment of silence follows. Then the crowd stirs.
THE MOB.
And the Thirty Tyrants?
BASILEIOS.
They are captured or slain. Our chains are broken—we are free!
THE MOB.
Give us Critias' body, that we may hang it high as he did unto others!
BASILEIOS.
Let us show mercy, not vengeance. Democracy must be reborn with compassion, not ruin. Let us not destroy what we have reclaimed. We are Athenians—proud and resolute. Let us honour our fallen heroes and rebuild Athens with dignity. Our struggle hath only just begun!
THE MOB.
Then give us his riches!
Basileios lifts the coins of Critias and proclaims:
BASILEIOS.
Let death be the tribute to Critias, and let the spoils be returned to the people! Long live the memory of Cleisthenes and Ephialtes. Long live our cherished democracy!
SCENE VII
At the agora of the city. BASILEIOS and DEMETRIA stand and observe the aftermath of the rebellion. They are astonished by the vivid sight of their beloved Athens.
BASILEIOS.
We must not permit the streets of Athens to be stained with such needless bloodshed, cursed with a wanion.
DEMETRIA.
What shall become of us now the tyranny hath been overthrown?
BASILEIOS.
That I do not know. But I hope the merciless days of war may be vanquished by the wisdom and knowledge of the Athenians!
DEMETRIA.
Can democracy endure, and survive the irreversible harm wrought by yet another tyranny?
BASILEIOS.
For the sake of Athens, I believe in the will of the people. We must not forget the chirocracy of the Thirty Tyrants.
DEMETRIA.
Then I believe as well. Athens hath withstood the passage of centuries; it shall endure still, even when we are long dead. ’Tis the birthright of our democracy.
BASILEIOS.
History shall record this day as the resolve of a people who fought with vehemence to restore their liberty.
DEMETRIA.
But can we celebrate a tragedy, especially one that hath left so indelible a mark upon us?
BASILEIOS.
Nay. Yet from this tragedy, we may celebrate the wondrous triumph of our freedom.
DEMETRIA.
I wonder, Basileios, shall there ever be another tyrannical rule in Athens?
BASILEIOS.
All I may declare is the articulation of the very foundation we have now laid — the seeds of democracy! We must not allow the legacy of our forefathers to be effaced by the wickedness of tyrants or the taint of corruption. I shall labour to see that vision fulfilled, so long as I live. ’Tis a debt I owe to my father, and to all who fought and perished for the sake of democracy.
DEMETRIA.
What civil recourse have we, if not that?
BASILEIOS.
I cannot see the future with perfect providence, yet the people of Athens have rekindled democracy, and we must stand beside them to witness its swift growth and flourishing.
DEMETRIA.
Why is it that people must always perish for their beliefs?
BASILEIOS.
I can but presume the cause is that we forget we are brethren — that we live and die for principles within society, no matter the tyranny of our oppressor.
DEMETRIA.
Where then are we bound?
BASILEIOS.
Henceforth, we are bound to the glorious days of democracy!
DEMETRIA.
Let us not forsake the just principles of its founding and origin.
BASILEIOS.
Democracy cannot endure if we do not adhere to those principles in essence.
DEMETRIA.
To behold Athens rising from the fleeting ashes of ruin is enough to inspire the splendour of her majesty!
BASILEIOS.
To see the Acropolis stand tall is to witness the grandeur of Athens!
DEMETRIA.
Whence our democracy began in earnest!
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